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Living Free - Mar. 7, 2012

"Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another and working together with one mind and purpose." Philippians 2:2 NLT

Thoughts for Today

In today's scripture, Paul exhorts believers to agree with one another, to love one other and to work together with one mind and purpose.

Jesus' last instructions moments before he ascended to heaven leave no doubt what the church is to be doing: "And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8 NLT If we are to be effective witnesses, we need to work together with one mind and purpose. Our witness can be hurt—and even destroyed—if we are involved in pride, bickering, gossip and other habits that can only lead to strife and division. We need to set aside personality conflicts, social differences, cliquishness and anything else that divides us and keeps us from accomplishing God's purpose for us.

Consider this …

The lesson of the Tower of Babel (yesterday's devotion) teaches how pride can lead to division and ultimate failure. Think of an area in your life in which you are experiencing division with a sister or brother in Christ. Acknowledge specifically an incident or situation where you have failed in the area of the relationship. Prayerfully examine how pride might be playing a role in the division.

If you become aware of a situation like this, confess your sin to God. And then seek out that brother or sister and ask forgiveness. Ask God to help you both move ahead in reconciliation and unity.

Prayer

Father, forgive me for sometimes allowing pride or other wrong attitudes to lead to division from my brothers and sisters in Christ. Help me to do my part in walking in unity so that we might be more effective witnesses for Jesus and accomplish what you have called us to do. In Jesus' name …

These thoughts were drawn from …

One Nation Under God: Toward Race Reconciliation by Donna Saunders, Ph.D. and Jean Leak, MS, RN. This study discusses barriers between people and shows how to make Christ visible through love in action. This guide also offers the way to strengthen and bond relationships. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.

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